In Memory of Victor L. Smith

Victor L. Smith, ASA 1973, MAAA 1970, died on November 6, 2018, at age 88.

Victor was born in 1930 and grew up in Fort Wayne, IN, where he enjoyed spending time with family and cousins. As a clever and mischievous child, he told many stories of his adventures. He was generous and warm-hearted and gave to many charities. Victor loved challenges and games. Many a night was spent playing and laughing with his family. He did complex computations quickly and easily with his sharp mind. He loved to travel and visited Canada, Germany, Italy, Israel and much of the U.S. Optimistic and outgoing, he cultivated new friends easily.

Victor was an active member of the Methodist church throughout his life. He met his wife, Sue Whiteman Smith, at Simpson Methodist Church in Ft. Wayne. He participated in Sunday school, choir, and mission trips. He served as a teacher, Emmaus Walk leader, and pension board member.

A 1947 alumnus of NorthSide High School in Fort Wayne, Victor graduated from University of Michigan with a degree in mathematics. Following two years of Army service, he worked as an actuary for insurance companies in Chicago, IL, Frankfort, IN, Fort Wayne, IN, Memphis, TN, and Louisville, KY. Victor also developed early commercial computer programs, utilizing punch cards with tape drives which occupied an entire room. He was a Boy Scout leader and participated in each of his children’s lives.

He was the beloved husband of Sue Whiteman Smith, who preceded him in death on October 18, 2018. Victor and Sue were married for over 66 years. He was the loving father of Barrie Smith (Kathy), Daniel Smith (Betty), Rebecca Schwartz (Fil), Victoria Samples (Robert), and Jennifer Rakestraw (William). Sue and Victor were loving grandparents to twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Victor was the son of Orpha and Albert Smith. His brother Norman Smith preceded him in death. He is survived by three sisters: Willa Tharp, Leila Parks, and Marilyn Jones.

Memorial donations may be made in Victor’s name to Christ Church United Methodist Church, 4614 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY 40207.